Writing to Transplant Recipients
Many organ donor families are curious about their loved one’s recipients and want to know how they are doing. Lifesharing is happy to facilitate written communication.
What should you write?
The best advice is to speak from the heart. Tell the recipient(s) about your loved one — whatever you feel comfortable sharing. What kind of a person were they? What did you love most about them? You may also include information about their marital status, children, job, hobbies or interests.
You can stay private, if you prefer
You do not need to give your full name when signing the letter to the recipient(s). However, if you choose to include your personal contact information, we will forward it to the recipient’s transplant center. ***If you choose to keep your identity confidential, you still need to provide Lifesharing with your full name and that of your loved one***
What happens to your letter
Once we receive your correspondence, we will forward copies to the transplant center of each organ recipient. From there, the transplant coordinators will forward the letters to the recipients. This process may take several weeks.
You may not hear back from the recipients
Many recipients struggle to find the right words to express their gratitude to the family of their organ donor. Other transplant recipients may face additional health challenges that require them to focus on their recovery.
However, some recipients may be more inclined to write a letter after the donor family writes a letter first.
For more information
If you have any questions about the information outlined here, you may contact the Lifesharing Family Services Department at 619-543-7225, or email them at familyservices@lifesharing.org.
